On our first day in Krakow, we were fortunate enough to explore the city and its history with our private tour guide, Jadwiga. In the sunshine and spring-like temperatures, Jadwiga was brimming with myths, facts, and legends – she’s a walking encyclopedia! We were out for less than an hour and couldn’t keep up with the notes. There wasn’t a corner or sculpture, no building or stone for which she couldn’t provide the dates, facts, and at least one story!
Before leaving Germany, we had no idea that Krakow is a city steeped in so much history – and that the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, named after its founder Casimir the Great, is one of its most fascinating chapters: Once a thriving center of Jewish life, it experienced periods of prosperity, destruction, and rebirth. Today, it is a vibrant district that captivated us with its unique atmosphere, its synagogues, and its history.
How lucky that we listened to the wonderful Grazyna from the city of Krakow and chose a hotel in the Jewish Quarter instead of the Old Town! So, at the Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz, we were just steps away from historic sites, diverse restaurants, and a unique atmosphere.
Change and Synagogues
For centuries, Kazimierz was the center of Jewish life in Kraków. During World War II, however, the Jewish population was brutally persecuted and the district fell into disrepair. Only in the last few decades has it experienced a renaissance – not least in 1993 with Steven Spielberg’s film “Schindler’s List”, which was partly filmed in Kazimierz. Many synagogues have now been restored and are open to the public again. Particularly worth seeing are the Remuh Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in Kraków, which also includes the Jewish cemetery, and the Old Synagogue, which today houses a museum of Jewish history. The Tempel Synagogue, which was once a meeting place for the Reform community, also impresses with its magnificent architecture. The former Popper Synagogue now houses a wonderful bookshop.
Important personalities
One of the most prominent figures in Krakow’s Jewish history is Moses Isserles, also known as Rabbi Remuh. He was an important scholar of the 16th century, and his grave in the old Jewish cemetery remains a place of pilgrimage to this day. Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1,000 Jewish lives in his enamel factory, also has close ties to the city. The administrative wing of the former factory building in the neighboring Podgórze district now houses a museum that impressively documents the history of the Jewish population during World War II.
Museums and activities for children
There are numerous opportunities for families to discover Krakow’s Jewish heritage in an interactive way. The Galicia Jewish Museum offers child-friendly tours and workshops that bring history to life. A visit to Schindler’s Factoryimpressively conveys the events of World War II. Following the trail of the original filming locations, you’ll naturally find yourself strolling through the district. Those who prefer a more playful approach can take part in a guided tour of Kazimierz, where kids can solve puzzles and discover the district’s secrets. The Ethnographic Museum also offers fascinating insights into Jewish life and traditions.
If you’re feeling a little peckish while exploring Kazimierz, you’ll find all sorts of souvenirs at Plac Nowy, as well as delicious zapiekanki (a kind of baguette sandwich) or obwarzanek (a pretzel wreath). For longer breaks and for lunch or dinner, the Bazaar Bistro (right on the square) or Restaurant Starka (on Józefa Street) are ideal.
As you can see, a visit to Kazimierz is worthwhile for anyone, young and old, who wants to immerse themselves in Krakow’s fascinating past and diverse culinary delights.
If you’d like to learn more about the Old Town and Wawel Castle, you’re welcome to read our article about Krakow with children!
With that in mind: Do widzenia!
Helpful Links:
https://krakow-kazimierz.goldentulip.com
gwzkrakow.pl/en/services/synagogues/
bazaarbistro.pl